Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Undawnted Presents: Blog Book Tour for Smothered Interview with BT Clearwater– Day 3





About Smothered, by B.T. Clearwater

Annie Brown's life could use some renovation. She's in trouble at work, her ex-boyfriend is stalking her, and she's just inherited a dilapidated Victorian home from her late mother, who hasn't quite moved out yet. The last thing Annie needs in her life is a man, but when handyman Mike Tolbert comes to fix her dishwasher, she lets him demo her doubt.

Mike doesn't need the distraction of a relationship either. An Iraq War combat veteran and divorcee, Mike suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and is dealing with a manipulative ex. Yet, something about Annie snags his heart and he finds he cannot walk away from her.

Annie's mother doesn't approve of their relationship, and she's willing to cross from the realm of death to that of the living to control her daughter. With the ghost of her mother haunting them, Mike and Annie face his PTSD, her troubles at work, and a deadly plot to steal her childhood home, all while fighting to keep their love alive.

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Interview with Author B.T. Clearwater

In your novel, Smothered, you delve into some deep topics about emotional health and the human psyche. What enticed you to develop characters rooted in these personal struggles, such as a narcissistic mother for Annie, and PTSD for Mike?

Well, all characters in any story need to encounter obstacles and overcomes hardships, both external and internal. I suppose using PTSD for Mike's big internal struggle came naturally, as I work for the Army, and see people with this condition quite frequently. And while Annie's struggle seems to stem from her mother, it flows much deeper than that, and has to do a lot with her failures at prior relationships. I wrote this in the time building up to my second divorce, so failed relationships appeared in a lot of my work then. 

 
Do you enjoy writing in the genre of paranormal romance? What inspired you to create a story within this style?

I enjoy writing in every genre, but not for the reason you might think. A story is a story. If you tell it right, including using the right genre, it'll be fun to write. The "fun" of any story is, afterall, the resolution of a situation that we've built around our characters. A situation that seems impossible at first, and gets worse from there. But somehow, our protagonist figures it out in the end, overcoming those internal and external hangups. It's kind of like playing classical music at a monster truck rally. It puts the story in the wrong context, and changes the way both your characters and your reader are going to think, feel, and act. So if you're trying to shoe-horn a romance into the structure of a western, it's going to feel off. Unbalanced. Oh, and one more thing. This is, technically, a Supernatural Romance, not paranormal. The latter has an element of science to it, which lends credibility and provides skeptical readers some hooks into their reality. Supernatural shirks science and turns to magical solutions to aid the characters' struggles. As Jim Butcher put it, "Paranormal is the X-Files, Buffy is supernatural."


Do any of your characters remind you of someone? Is that why you wrote the character? Or, is it that you recognize the similarities in hindsight?

This is a tricky question to answer in this modern world of lawsuits and victim mentalities. If I say a character is based on so-and-so from real life, I open myself to litigation and lawsuits if that real person takes offense, or just needs a few bucks. So officially, no. My characters are not like anyone else.

In all honesty, though, I use existing people to model them physically and emotionally. It's not that I just  notice some day that Annie looks like a young woman I know, or that Mike says something that sounds familiar. Every character anyone has ever written is based on a series of someones starting all the way in a person's infancy. We store in our minds images, words, sounds, smells, movements, and so on about the people we come across in life. We build them from skeletons to fully meat-suited as we remember those people, and as our memories warp and reshape them over time. 

So in short, yes. And no. 1

 
Have you ever experienced a haunting? Seen a ghost? If not, would you ever take an adventure to a haunted location to gain that experience? If so, what was your experience?

The closest I have come was after my late father's celebration of life last year. At one point, I could almost swear I felt him there in the house I grew up in. I never saw, heard, smelled or otherwise detected anything with my five senses, but that sixth one sure made up for the lack. And for a moment, I knew he was looking after my mom, and that he would watch over my sister and me too. Damn but I miss him.

And no, I wouldn't want to change the way I see the supernatural world by tainting it with commercialized ideas about what a haunting is supposed to be like. I have a viewpoint that seems to ring true with readers. Why change that?

5. In the game of life, your characters, Mike and Annie, seem to be holding the short end of the stick. As a writer, do you use the literary device of adversity to create hope? A happy ending? Or, do you write the downward spiral to an unfortunate end? Which do you prefer writing comedies (happy endings) or dramas (sad endings)?

Those aren't the only types of endings, though. In fact, the romance genre itself has Happily Ever After (HEA), Happy for Now (HFN), For Now Not Forever, and a few more, less used, including tragic endings. In a romance, you won't generally see those very often. It's not what the reader is looking for. And the other endings are best used in book series, where each ending comes with hope that the lovers will get it right in the end. And "Happy" isn't the only non-tragic ending descriptor. A character can resolve all the loose strings of their storyline, defeat the antagonist, and sail off into the sunset, and yet not find happiness. Take Inigo Montoya from The Princess Bride. He has spend his whole life searching for the six-fingered man who killed his father, yet when that killer offers him money, power, and anything he wants, all Inigo can say as he drives his sword into the man's chest is, "I want my father back, you sonofabitch!" Inigo got his revenge, but nothing can bring his father back.

Which ending you choose depends largely on how you want your reader to feel when all is said and done.
 
 
Anything else you would like to add? 
 
Yes! My next supernatural romance should come out in the summer of 2027. It is currently untitled, but the story is like a cross between the movies "This Means War" and "The Devil's Advocate." 

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The Giveaway

Leave a comment at each stop to let us know you were here

and get an entry for a chance at one of three digitals copies

to given away in a random drawing at the end of the tour.

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Support Great Artists 


The writer of this career memoir deserves your support!
 

Make a purchase and keep creativity alive during this Winter Frost season. 
 
 

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About B.T. Clearwater

B.T. Clearwater grew up writing stories, winning Literary Student of the Year for Lake George Central High School in 1984. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in English from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Western State Colorado University, graduating both Summa Cum Laude, and is a two-time alum of the Superstars Writing Seminars run by Kevin J. Anderson. B.T. routinely judges the Zebulon writing contest for Pike's Peak Writers, and has published fiction under the science fiction, fantasy, romance, western, horror, and crime genres under different pen names. B.T. Clearwater lives in Colorado Springs with a dog, a cat, and a cast of fictional characters for company.

 

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Blog Book Tour for Smothered  

Mon. 6/1: Reading: Annie’s Opening Scene (Chap. 1) – Writing to be Read: https://writingtoberead.com/?p=61490

Tues. 6/2: Reading: Mike’s Flashback (Chap. 11) – Roberta Writes: https://roberta-writes.com/2026/06/02/roberta-writes-smothered-by-b-t-clearwater-book-blog-tour/

Wed. 6/3: B.T. Clearwater Interview with DL Mullan – Undawnted: http://www.undawnted.com/2026/06/undawnted-presents-blog-book-tour-for.html

Thurs. 6/4: Reading: A Ghostly Appearance by Mother Mary (Chap. 10) - Writing to be Read: https://writingtoberead.com/?p=66122  

Fri. 6/5: Reading: Annie and Jason (Chap. 5) - Poetry by Mich: https://michnavs.wordpress.com/?p=16043

Hotel by Masticadores: https://hotelmasticadoreshouse.wordpress.com/2026/06/05/smothered-tour-day-5/

Masticadores Phillipines: https://masticadoresphilippines.wordpress.com/2026/06/05/smothered-tour-day-5/

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Book your WordCrafter Book Blog Tour today!

 

 

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Undawnted Press Release: Paranormal Investigator, Steve Shippy, Fighting for His Life

Steve Shippy’s Fight Against Cancer 

Steve Shippy isn't just a host of several documentaries and shows, he is part of our paranormal universe. He doesn't feel like a neighbor, but a member of our family. 

He needs our help.

After a devastating diagnosis, Steve is battling for his life against cancer. He will be unable to work while he is being treated and recovering from this illness. 

And you will receive that support from your paranormal family.

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The Gofundme Drive

I will be donating in April. So, should you donate now. 

In addition, purchase all his documentaries, as I continue to do (on Amazon Prime): 


[We all know that $55K does not go far in this economy, so continue to donate and make purchases to cover all emergencies and incidentals.]

 

The Gofundme has been updated to $75K. Let's go! Let's get it to $100K!!! 

 

Thank you.

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The Ask 

Fighting Through the Hardest Battle of My Life


I’ve faced haunted houses, abandoned homes, and shadows most people never see. But this time… the battle isn’t in a house. It’s inside me.

Over the past several weeks, everything changed. After eight intense weeks of radiation and chemotherapy, I am now in the next phase of aggressive cancer treatment — ongoing IV hydration, therapy, labs, and constant monitoring as my body works to recover. Appointments still fill most days, and complications have required repeated hospital stays. This is not a short chapter. It’s an ongoing fight.

It’s exhausting. 

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The Fight I’m Facing


Multiple hospitalizations from treatment-related infections have already set me back — each one physically draining and financially devastating. With my immune system weakened by treatment, even minor complications can become serious very quickly.

But there is hope.

My doctors believe this cancer is highly treatable and curable. A recent PET scan showed it has not spread. That light at the end of this long corridor is real — but the road there is still demanding, and I am taking it one day at a time.

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The Financial Impact


Cancer doesn’t just attack the body — it disrupts everything around it.

In the earliest weeks of this fight, I was between insurance coverages. During that time, biopsies, surgery, scans, blood panels, specialist visits, and critical testing had to move forward immediately — regardless of coverage. There was no option to wait for insurance to catch up. The cancer didn’t pause, and neither could the procedures needed to diagnose and begin treatment. Those early months alone created thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket medical expenses before my current insurance was fully in place.

Now, even with coverage active, the costs continue to add up quickly.

I need help keeping my home stable and ensuring my boys are cared for while I focus on recovery.

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I am setting a goal of $55,000, which will help cover:


Medical costs & treatment:

• High monthly insurance premiums

• Large deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums

• Ongoing treatment-related care, hydration, labs, and monitoring

• Hospital bills from multiple treatment-related infections

• Medications, medical supplies, and recovery-related expenses

Support & household:

• Occasional in-home help on the hardest recovery days

• Lost income from being unable to work consistently

• Everyday living expenses that don’t pause during treatmentT


This isn’t about one single bill. It’s about keeping our home steady, covering the gaps cancer treatment has created, and allowing me to focus fully on healing.

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Why I’m Asking for Help


For years, whether you know me from Haunted Saginaw, my films, or my music, I’ve worked to share stories and connect with fans and the community. Now, I need your support in my own fight.

I am not stopping. I still plan to release a new film this fall, and I am working on another album. Creating has always been how I move through darkness — and I refuse to let this chapter take that from me.

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How You Can Help


If you are able to contribute, any amount truly helps. If donating isn’t possible, sharing this page means more than you know. Every message, every prayer, and every act of support strengthens this fight.

I am walking through a corridor of cancer treatment, fighting to stay strong for my boys. Every donation, every share, and every word of encouragement helps me keep moving forward.

Every contribution matters. Thank you for being part of this fight.


— Steve

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 Donate Today! 

Steve Shippy’s Fight Against Cancer

 
 

Monday, March 23, 2026

Undawnted Interviews Kaye Lynne Booth, Day One of the WordCrafter The Rockstar & the Outlaw 2 Book Blog Tour



Welcome to Day 1, Tour Stop 2 of the WordCrafter Double Visions Book Blog Tour. Today, I’m interviewing author Kaye Lynne Booth. We also have a great giveaway, so leave a comment at each stop for a chance to win one of three free digital copies, and for U.S. residents, one signed print copy of The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Double Visions.

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The Giveaway

Follow the tour and leave a comment to let me know you were here and be entered

for a chance at one of three free digital copies or one signed print copy of

The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Double Visions.

Winners are chosen in a random drawing from my hat. You can visit any stops you missed through the links in the tour schedule below. So, get your comments in now.

Place your comments on Writing to be Read 

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Tour Schedule

Mon. – Writing to be Read – Amaryllis, Rock Star & The Pretty Reckless/Undawnted – Interview with the author

Tues. – Poetry by Mich, Hotel by Masticadores, and Masticadores Phillipines – LeRoy, Cowboy & Writing with Music & Review

Wed. – Book Places – Monique, Shaman Woman, & Werner’s Syndrome & Review

Thurs. – Carla Loves to Read - Nick, the Time Device & Writing in Multiple Time Lines & Review

Fri. – Writing to be Read – Catalina and Writing with Multiple P.O.V.s

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About The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Double Visions

In 1887, LeRoy is stuck, bringing trouble down on those around him. Sissy is kidnapped and he's the only one who can save her.

Amaryllis wakes up in 2030, in a future very different to the one she knows, one in which she may not have been born. She will stop at nothing to find LeRoy fix what went wrong in the past.

She and a version of Monique which is different from the one she grew up with travel back to 1887 to try and make things right.

Add two time travel regulators from the future who are after the time module, and things begin to get wild.

When the time loops are crossed, things change, but not the way Amaryllis intended and pretty soon, everybody is seeing doubles.

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The Kickstarter campaign for book 2 of Kaye Lynne Booth’s Time Travel Adventure Series is still in full swing until the 29th of March, so pop on over to offer your support and check out all the cool rewards. You can get discounted digital copies, exclusive signed print copies, posters, goodie bags and more. 

I hope you’ll drop in and check it out here:  

The Rockstar and the Outlaw 2: Double Visions Kickstarter   

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Interview with Kaye Lynne Booth

 
1- What got you interested in time travel? Books? Movies? Science? 
 
The whole time travel thing is a lot to wrap my brain around. I would watch time travel movies and my mind would ponder the possibilities for days after. I watched one movie where the time traveler goes back and falls in love with his grandmother, essentially. making the guy his own grandfather. I mean, wow! Think about that for a moment. H.G. Wells', The Time Machine, explores the idea of going back and changing events in time to create a different outcome. The main character discovers that it is not possible, and if you change an event that was fated to happen, it will find another way and happen anyway. He goes to the future in search of the answer to why we can't change time.This story was so profound. How can your mind not be boggled by the implications? The Butterfly Effect deals with the same issues, showing the unintentional things that could change from changing just one thing. In the words of Michael J. Fox's Marty McFly, "That's some heavy stuff."

My first time travel story was "Last Call", found in "Last Call and Other Short Fiction", about a bar stool that was a gateway to a soda shop in the 1950's. It was a fun story to write. Then, I got the idea for a time travel device that fit into the pommel of a saddle, thus turning the horse into a mode of time travel, which I thought was a pretty cool idea. Maybe not as cool as a Delorian, but then again, maybe it is. That gave me a time traveler from the old west.

2- From your usual protagonists, what is different in your characterizations of the Rockstar and Outlaw? 
 
I write a lot of strong female protagonists, which is to say, girls who can kick butt. Rockstar is no different in that way. The idea for her character came from Sharon Stone's portrayal of the woman in Basic Instinct, making her an adrenaline junkie, who thrives on cheating death. When I got the idea to put the two characters together and base the story on the music of The Pretty Reckless, she became a rock star, and a junkie of another sort, due to the rock and roll lifestyle, so if anything, I would say she is more flawed than my usual characters and has a lot more to overcome.

3- If you could go back in time or forward in the future, when would you go? And, why?  
 
That's a really good question. Most people would probably go back and try to change something in their present, even though every time travel story carries a warning of the dangers of doing so. Since I lost my son right after he turned 18, I would probably be  inclined to do so, as well. Especially since I can see several things that might have set events in a different direction. But, the one consistent thing about time travel is that you can never really change anything. 

Maybe I'd prefer to jump ahead in time, except that as I watch the trends and the direction things are going on this world, I'm not so sure if I'd want to go forward either.

No. I think I'm content to stay right when I'm at.

4- Would you like to be a rockstar or outlaw in another life? Are you either now?  
 
Rock stars lead wild lives filled with parties, sex, and illegal substances. When I was younger, that might have appealed to me, but these days, I'm an old lady who goes to bed at nine o'clock, so that type of life no longer appeals to me.

Amaryllis is on top of it though. She thrives on the excitement of that life. She loves to flirt with danger. Whether driving fast, skydiving, bungee jumping, mountain climbing, or dating the biggest drug dealer in Las Vegas, Amaryllis is all in. For her, traveling back to the 1800s with an outlaw cowboy is just another adventure.

Outlaws spend their time running from the law and other outlaws. There is no time to put down roots. They are always on the go, and always facing danger. I'm pretty mellow, so that's not me either. 

LeRoy is a reluctant outlaw, who joined up with an outlaw gang to try and save his father's farm. After one robbery, he realizes this isn't for him, but the gang is unwilling to let him go.

5- What else would you like to add for your readers to know about you and your publications? 
 
Music plays a big part in this series. Amaryllis is all about The Pretty Reckless. Each chapter is titled with a song, and Leroy's are by various artists. The first book has alternating POVs between the two. Double Visions has multiple POVs, so each of them have song titles for each chapter, too. Both books feature a playlist of all the music, so you can listen as you read to put you in the right frame of mind.

I really hope you will all enjoy this series. I had so much fun writing it. And I hope you will all pop over to the Kickstarter campaign, where we have discounted digital copies and exclusive signed print copies of books 1 and 2, plus posters and goody bags not available anywhere else. When you purchase books through Kickstarters, the author gets to keep more of the profits than purchases through retailers, and you don't have to pay as much, so everybody wins.

You can check out and back the Kickstarter here: 

The Rockstar and the Outlaw 2: Double Visions Kickstarter   

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About Kaye Lynne Booth

For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and Book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders.

Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.

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That wraps up today’s stops on the WordCrafter Double Visions Book Blog Tour. Tomorrow's stop will find us over at Poetry by Mich, Hotel by Mastcadores, and Masticadores Phillipines with Michelle Ayon Navajas, where we'll explore the character of LeRoy and Cowboy, and writing with music in a guest post and reading from me and a review. I hope to see you there, but until then, don't forget to pop into the Kickstarter campaign to get your copy of The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Double Visions.

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Book your WordCrafter Book Blog Tour today!

 

 

 

 

Monday, March 2, 2026

Spring Dreams 2026 is Action Packed

With Spring Dreams Seasonal Reads program, Undawnted answered the Call to Action. 

The Earth and all her creatures have awakened from their hibernation. 
The wind has turned warm. Butterflies flutter around. Bees buzz. Flowers bloom and scent the air with the fragrance of rich nectar.
The day grows longer towards summer time.
Spring fever has set your senses to wild.
How do you return from cloud nine? Why, read, of course! 
 
Start your adventure here:   
 
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Upcoming Publications 

First book release of the season, we learn that you cannot cross the gods in The Story of Vigdis and Adalbrandir, publishing in March 2026. 
 
Next, the new spirit of Robin Hood, in Hode: The Legend Lives Again, May 2026. 

Convicted of a crime he did not commit, Robert Lawrence spends ten years imprisoned and tortured in a military black site. Freed by a secret organization, he now dedicates his life to the pursuit of justice... Don't call it karma; you can call him: Hode.

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Published Books

Discover other densities and dimensions in Mangled and The Reality Hackers as part of Undawnted's Quantum Consciousness Saga

During it all, we delve deep into mystical magical, and mysterious poetry of Eclipse

This total eclipse dives deep into the heart of the matter. Eclipse is a themed chapbook with mythological, meteorological, astrophysical, and literary aspects weaved throughout the poetry to create a one-of-a-kind reading experience.  

Some reader acclaim about various poems are:

"Excellent."
"More like cloaked by powerful words!"
"Love this."

Find your totality with Eclipse.

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Spring Dreams brings science fiction, fantasy, and legends/folklore to life! It is Act I of the Hero's Journey: Beginning of the Adventure. Answer this Call to Action, and become the characters and be your own hero with Undawnted.

Spring Reads run March 1st to May 31st.
 
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About DL Mullan

A writer at heart, Undawnted’s own creative spark, DL Mullan, began writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Over the years, Ms. Mullan has showcased her literary talents by self-publishing several collections of her poetry. She also writes novels, designs apparel, and creates digital art. Ms. Mullan‘s creative writing is available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. As an independent publisher, she produces her own book cover designs as well as maintains her own websites. She is an award-winning digital artist and poet.

Currently, she has embarked on writing her multi-book Legacy Universe, Supernatural Superhero Series, as well as creating original soundtracks for her publications and independent electronic music albums, featured on SoundCloud and YouTube.

DL Mullan holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology, and is a syndicated columnist, writing Undawntech monthly.

For news and updates, subscribe to the Undawntable Newsletter. Find DL on Amazon, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.



Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Reviewed by You: In the Name of Blood: Vampires are Relative

About In the Name of Blood

"In the Name of Blood" is a dark fiction novel that explores themes of family and conflict within a vampiric universe, focusing on a character named Riley who becomes entangled in a dangerous situation involving two vampires. The story is noted for its vivid descriptions and engaging characters, making it an intriguing read for fans of the genre.

For more on information on Vampires are Relative, visit Undawnted's In the Name of Blood page.

  • In the Name of Blood: Vampires are Relative novel is available as a stand-alone book, and published by Sonoran Dawn Studios/Publishing, and Undawnted.  

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The Review 

Kaye Lynne Booth, Writing to be Read 

Lured into a conflict between two vampires, one a viciously insane vampiric killer who thrives on torturing her, Riley is determined to see Wilhelm stopped at any cost. The other vampire, Julian, is after the same prey, placing them both on the same side, and he is equally determined to keep Riley from harm’s way because they are related. This is book one in Mullan’s Legacy Universe series, and I got the distinct impression that Riley will play an important role in something much bigger in future books.

Mullan doesn’t use dialog tags, which makes it difficult to know who is speaking at times, but probably reads aloud smoother. Perhaps she plans to do audiobook versions in the future. Her characters are larger than life, and you can almost feel Riley’s pain from Mullan’s vivid descriptions. I’m not sure I buy into vampires with governing bodies, as these seem to, but I can accept it for what it is and immerse myself in the world for a time.

An interesting take on the vampiric universe. I give In the Name of Blood Vampires are Relative four quills.

Read her review of In the Name of Blood: Vampires are Relative on Writing to be Read.  

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About DL Mullan

A writer at heart, Undawnted’s own creative spark, DL Mullan, began writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Over the years, Ms. Mullan has showcased her literary talents by self-publishing several collections of her poetry. She also writes novels, designs apparel, and creates digital art. Ms. Mullan‘s creative writing is available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. As an independent publisher, she produces her own book cover designs as well as maintains her own websites. She is an award-winning digital artist and poet.

Currently, she has embarked on writing her multi-book Legacy Universe, Supernatural Superhero Series, as well as creating original soundtracks for her publications and independent electronic music albums, featured on SoundCloud and YouTube.

DL Mullan holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology, and is a syndicated columnist, writing Undawntech monthly.

For news and updates, subscribe to the Undawntable Newsletter. Find DL on Amazon, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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Become an Undawntable

Keep up-to-date with everything Undawnted through Substack: Undawntable Newsletter. Join today! 

 

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Undawnted Movie Review: The Wrecking Crew


The Wrecking Crew 

Amazon Prime's The Wrecking Crew is a fun, but foul-mouthed, sexually- innuendoed, and massively violent romp. 

It's nostalgic for GenXers who grew up with Lethal Weapon, Die Hard, Beverly Hills Cop, and other high-octane, violent action, cop comedies. 
 
The soundtrack added to the movie's ambiance. Spicy.  
 
If you love buddy movies, then this one is for you.  

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Trigger Warning  

The film is strange as it casts everyone that is not of Hawaiian descent, except for Jason Momoa, in the leads, as native Hawaiians. There are lots of New Zealanders, though. Another weird point for a movie that makes fun of all things WOKE, it sure is pretty woke: the white police officer (the Hawaiian officers were on vacation?) is an angry idiot and the mega bad guy is a white guy (Danish actor), whose family owned sugar cane farms (slave owner?), and culturally appropriates Japanese culture. 

And his army comprises of all white men.  

So weird.   

Was this movie funded by the CCP? The Yakuza, Japanese, criminal element is used. I ask, because there are more Japanese descendants than Chinese in Hawaii, so wouldn't this alienate the movie's base in the state? Or, was it not to alienate China's culture appetite for movies that politically keeps the brainwashing of their people in place? Just sayin', the Chinese New Year was a background scene... it's so weird. 

Anyway, the Woke ideology hates all things white... except for their cellular phones, attire, motorcycles, homes, electricity, law enforcement, and military veterans. You know, all the comforts of modern society and culture.  

So, interesting how that all works. 

Wink, wink.  

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The Gist (Spoiler Alert)

If you ignore all the Woke idiocy, because it looks like Amazon is trying to play both sides in the entertainment game, The Wrecking Crew is fun. Two estranged half-brothers meet up after 20 years to solve their father's murder. 

They work through their father figure issues as well as the brotherly ones of anger, hate, jealousy, and abandonment. The duo, James/Jimmy and Jonny, hammer the bad guys and each other until they realize they are more alike than different. The men release their childish misgivings, because working together makes them invincible. 

Just in time for the plot twist. 

In the end, the brothers opt for the $12 million in Cayman Island bank account money than getting justice for Jonny's murdered mother. That seemed like a sexist ending. 

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The Rating 

I enjoyed this movie. It went through the Hero's Journey for each brother, including saving the damsels in distress. If it weren't for the Woke placements of hate whitey, I would give this film 4.8 stars out of 5. Yet, the politics of hate were embedded into the screenplay. 

If the entertainment industry wants to make the point that minority groups (which are not demographically minorities in any way, if you look at world populations) can carry a film and be successful in "white" cultures, then they also have to respect the culture with which they wish to be successful in. That part is still missing.  

As a move goer, I could give a rat's ass who is in the director's chair, or on the screen as long as you give me a great script, acting, music/soundtrack, editing, and production value. 

When the entertainment industry loses sight of having fun, in order to push a political/social agenda, that's when they lose long-time movie critics like me. 

But the script is near perfection, the dialogue is on point with little straying from the plot. It would have been so much better without the Woke ideology. The acting was great. The profanity was a little much, too much in places. 

Script\editing discrepencies:  

How did the casino building plans get saved from the vehicle bout with the Yakuza? Did Jonny's cousin get all that information from her work at the governor's officer? 

Jonny's wounds heal in record time.  

And, when did the other USB drive get returned? Watch until the end. 

4.0/5.0 or 8.0/10.0 Rating 

~DL Mullan, Undawnted  
Reviewer

Amazon 
IMDB

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Send your requests for a review via Undawnted's Contact form. Thank you. 

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This post is sponsored by: 
 


Stayed with Me is the new single off Undawnted's debut album, 
and inspired by The Ones Who Stayed with Me.
 
Available on Undawnted's Album and YouTube Channel: 

 www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAIlLget9twP1KMtk6cB6RhHeetITVmhl

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For more information about Undawnted's Music, visit Undawnterpe: 

Undawnted Debut Album

 

 


Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Reviewed by You: Midnight Garden Review of Kurst, A Salt Pines Mystery


About Kurst: A Salt Pines Mystery

 
Karen Kurst comes into the legal possession of her deceased grandmother's cabin in Salt Pines, Arizona. As she delves into the secrets of the quaint mountain village, she discovers that there is more than meets the eye. A mysterious creature roams the woods, a blended cryptid: Elemental, Sasquatch, and Skinwalker. The only way to contain this entity is through a magical spell passed down by her ancestor, Ralph Wallen II. Teaming up with the local indigenous sheriff, Karen is determined to break the family curse. 

However, the question remains - will she have to sacrifice her own life to protect her newfound community?

For more on A Salt Pines Mystery series, visit Undawnted's Kurst page

  • The Kurst short story was published in Midnight Garden anthology by WordCrafter Press. 
  • Kurst: A Salt Pine Mystery novelette is available as a stand-alone book, and published by Sonoran Dawn Studios/Publishing, and Undawnted.  

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The Review 

LINDSEY’S WRITING PRACTICE: Book Review 
Anthology Review: MIDNIGHT GARDEN: Where Dark Tales Grow

Also, suspenseful but not as grim, DL Mullan’s “Kurst,” is one of my favorites in this collection. Set in Salt Pines, a village in Arizona, “between dreamy pine peaks and unfathomable horrors,” the story opens when Karen Kurst leaves her [photojournalist] job to check out the “Kurst inheritance” on the [Tonto] National Forest’s eastern edge. After she encounters Sheriff “Bear” Barrett, who offers her background about her inheritance and [r]eading materials, this story takes readers on a wild—frightening—but fulfilling “ride.”
 
Read the rest of her review of Midnight Garden anthology on Writing to be Read.  
 
Also, on Undawnted's YouTube channel: Kurst: A Salt Pines Mystery | Review by You | DL Mullan

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About DL Mullan

A writer at heart, Undawnted’s own creative spark, DL Mullan, began writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Over the years, Ms. Mullan has showcased her literary talents by self-publishing several collections of her poetry. She also writes novels, designs apparel, and creates digital art. Ms. Mullan‘s creative writing is available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. As an independent publisher, she produces her own book cover designs as well as maintains her own websites. She is an award-winning digital artist and poet.

Currently, she has embarked on writing her multi-book Legacy Universe, Supernatural Superhero Series, as well as creating original soundtracks for her publications and independent electronic music albums, featured on SoundCloud and YouTube.

DL Mullan holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology, and is a syndicated columnist, writing Undawntech monthly.

For news and updates, subscribe to the Undawntable Newsletter. Find DL on Amazon, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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Saturday, January 31, 2026

Undawnted Book Review: The Ones Who Stayed with Me, Nurse Sammy



Book Review:

The Ones that Stayed with Me, by Nurse Sammy, is a poignant set of stories based in the healthcare industry. As a former caretaker who dealt with hospitals, doctors, nurses, and medical insurance for a relative, The Ones Who Stayed with Me is an enduring, loving, and yet at times, heart-breaking, memorable memoir of “Nurse Sammy.” 

In this book, people not familiar with the other side of the desk are initiated into being a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Registered Nurse (RN). From behavior problems, accidents, and life-threatening injuries, nurses have to deal with patients who are unable to take care of themselves. On the other side of the aisle, nursing staff have to deal with emotional family members, who want to protect their loved ones, but sometimes at the price of taking their feelings of helplessness out on the employees. In the middle of this seesaw, these medical professionals must balance doctors, inspectors and the legal perimeters, which the staff must obey.

Nurses and their staff have to navigate the law, doctors, the elderly and disabled as well as their family members, which is stressful and emotional. At times, it is a thankless task. Still, nurses arrive every day to take care of their patients.

If you want to understand what healthcare staff like nurses go through in their field, then don’t pass up the chance to read the reality in The Ones Who Stayed with Me. 

~DL Mullan, Undawnted 
ARC Reviewer 

Amazon Kindle   
Goodreads   

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Send your requests for a review via Undawnted's Contact form. Thank you.

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This post is sponsored by: 
 


Stayed with Me is the new single off Undawnted's debut album, 
and inspired by The Ones Who Stayed with Me.
 
Available on Undawnted's Album and YouTube Channel: 

 www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAIlLget9twP1KMtk6cB6RhHeetITVmhl

______

For more information about Undawnted's Music, visit Undawnterpe: 

Undawnted Debut Album

 

 

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